Health officials confirm Ohio measles outbreak

Ohio health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Knox County area of Ohio. To date, the Ohio Department of Health says there are 16 confirmed cases of measles.

Health officials say the initial cases were unvaccinated travelers who returned to Ohio from the Philippines.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Symptoms usually appear in 7-18 days after exposure. The virus can be transmitted several days before the onset of a the telltale rash associated with measles and up to several days after the rash onset.

"Immunization is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from vaccine-preventable diseases," said Ohio Department of Health Interim Director Lance Himes. "When fully vaccinated, the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is 99 percent effective in preventing the measles."